Help for Mike Lane Medical Bills

I'll admit it. Asking for help is somewhat embarrassing. However, I can't really preach about humility and helping others if I don't humble myself and ask for help.

As some of you may know, for over two years, I've been experiencing some severe bouts of chest and abdominal pain daily. The first time it hit, my first thought was a heart attack. My vision was blurry, sweat started pouring down my face, and I became lightheaded. A quick trip to the emergency room and several tests later, they determined it wasn't a heart attack or stroke. It was...are you ready for this? Indigestion. But here's the thing: the pain would come back weekly for several months until it was every day.

After a second trip to the emergency room just a few months later, they told me I had diverticulosis and to see a GI doctor. Don't worry, I'll spare you those details.

Then, they sent me to a cardiologist who prescribed nitroglycerin. He took the EKG and said my heart was normal. When I followed up with him six months later, he looked at that same EKG (6 months old) and said it was fine. Considering the daily pain, this did not satisfy me or my primary doctor. So, my doctor referred me to a second cardiologist who did a full workup (e.g., blood work, ultrasound, echo, CT w/ contrast, EKG, etc.). Turns out, my heart is doing alright. But that doesn't explain the pain.

Next stop: pulmonologist to check the lungs. My breathing ratio is alright, and, as of now, she has me signed up for a sleep study for possible sleep apnea.

After another trip to the GI doctor, he explained that I had too much acid and it is eating away at my esophagus. It's nice that he prescribed me some meds, but it isn't so great that they cost $500 (which I cannot afford). My wife's insurance only covers so much. Sadly, if I do not get the meds, then the acid will keep going and will go through a cycle of burning, then scarring, then burning, then scarring, and on it goes until there is so much scar tissue that I will not be able to swallow. At that point, he said it is a real possibility that esophageal cancer could develop. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

In the last 2 - 2 1/2 years, I've been in the ER a minimum of 5 times (I even went to a fire station once), 2 gastroenterologists, 2 cardiologists, a pulmonary specialist, and my regular PCP visits.

The medical bills are piling up... BIG TIME.

If I'm being completely truthful, my family is suffering. I preach for a relatively small congregation and cannot find a second job to help meet ends. So, with great trepidation, I'm publicly asking for some help so that I can get my medication(s) and pay for the sleep study (insurance won't cover it).

I know that some would like to help but can't. That's OK. I understand.

I know that some will say I shouldn't be asking for a handout. Maybe you're right.

In any case. Whether I get my meds or not. I know that one day if I'm found faithful, I won't have to worry about the pain.

Thanks to all who donate.

Mike